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Who was Clement Balanda?

Clement Balanda Ncube was born on the 6th of January of 1966, in a family of five children, of whom he was eldest. He attended Lukanyiso Primary School before moving to the David Livingstone Mission (DLM) School where his obvious footballing skills were horned and were ever on display for all to see. He was the Headboy of DLM in 1983. That year, he wrote and passed his O Level Cambridge Examinations.

Clement went on to be an Apprentice at Hunyani in 1984, qualifying as a Class One artisan in Fitting and Turning specialising in printing machines. His employer had a strong footballing culture, into which he became an asset for the rest of his stay there. Hunyani played in the then strong First Division with the likes of Merlin Huskey, Gold Star, Colcom, Tregers, How Mine, Shangani, Gwanda Ramblers to name but a few.

His career took him to Highlanders and Eagles were he excited the crowds with his cunning and fancy footwork that will be hard to emulate for and by generations to come. Balanda oozed confidence and enjoyed his game very much. He was instrumental in encouraging young players and giving them advice. He featured in teams of the great players like Titus ‘Zii’ Majola, Benjamin ‘Sgudule’ Matambandzo, Joseph ‘Masawa’ Tembo, Harrison ‘Ayashisa Mateki’ Meki, Alex Maseko, Abraham Madondo, Ernest Maphepha Sibanda and Peter Nkomo at Bosso, and played along side Rahman and Norman Gumbo and Alban Mafemba at Eagles.

Balanda played and coached his team, Hunyani for most of his time there. He attended coaching courses with the likes of Emmert Ndlovu, Raeburn Ndebele, Isaac Mbedzi, Bekezela Maduma Fuzwayo, Kona Tshabangu, Philani Mabhena and Rahman Gumbo. He went on to coach Hunyani sister team, Corrugated, which produced Highlanders live wire and deadly partner of one of the Bosso’s greatest striking partnerships of all times, Thabani Mqwayi Masawi, who was a joy to watch with Zenzo Zemura Moyo. Corrugated also gave Bosso striking sensation, Sausto Phiri. He coached the Highlanders Royals with Siphatho Ncube.

In his tenure at Hunyani, Clement used his influence for the benefit of his footballing pals and veterans, securing them employment at Hunyani. He made sure that his colleagues from Number 1, 2 and 6 as well as Mpopoma like of Boy Ndlovu, Stoneshed Moyo, Victor Moonsamy, Mandla and a host of footballers were benefiting from jobs in Hunyani as much as possible.

This shows how much his football meant to him and his extended football family benefited immensely from his unselfishness. He never took a ‘no’ for an answer in cases where he knew he was right without any militancy and as such, when he knew his company had vacancies, he went straight to the top office and got his ex-teammates jobs, no matter how temporary.

Clement Balanda, who was laid to rest on Tuesday, the 23rd of August 2011 at West Park Cemetery, is survived by 3 lovely children. Deep and sincere condolensces to his family. He will be solely missed.

3 comments on “Who was Clement Balanda?”

Its sad to learn that a dear friend and soul mate is no more. Clement was not only a flamboyant player but a good person. He was an objective man and we had a lot to share because we shared the same proffession. May his soul rest in peace and l sometimes wonder why God takes away all the good people.

“Eagles F.C was not only a good team but a happy family”
Alban Mafemba

May I express my gratitude at your valuable comment, not only because you played with Clement in that great Eagles team, but you are a legend in your own right. I am humbled by this contribution and may God bless you.